My
Farmor (Father's mother in Swedish)
This weekend we had a surprise. My Dad and Mom came back to town unexpectedly. My Dad had decided it was the right time to finish dealing with my Grandmother's belongings. She went to be with Jesus in June. So it was time for the grandchildren to find some things from her home that we may enjoy. It was a bitter sweet task. My grandmother was raised a Quaker so she had many beautiful things in her home that she never displayed as that would have been vanity. There were some surprises in her cupboards. The sweet part of the weekend was listening to my Dad tell stories about his childhood (some my be tall tales!:0) or my Dad was a very mischievous boy!!). It was also really special to hear stories of my grandmother's childhood that my Dad had grownup hearing. I will share two of the precious things that I now have in my home that will remind me of her.
Years ago my grandparents took a trip to Ireland that they really enjoyed - they picked up several pieces of Beleek china and each of us girls got to pick a piece. This is a tiny creamer (the china is so thin you can practically see through it.)
This my Dad picked out for me (that also makes this very special). It is a child's chocolate set that was given to my Great-aunt in 1903 by their neighbors who had immigrated from Germany (I think their child out-grew it). After that, it was passed to my grandmother who had tea-parties with her daughter and her friends. The real treasure is the hand written note from my grandma telling the story of this set!!
I also was able to pick out a teacup for each of my daughters and for my future daughters-in-law. I really love the idea of being able to give these to my children for their home and say "This was your Great-grandmother's"
During this week-end my husband and I talked about treasures and how the value of things has nothing to do with money but everything to do with the stories that surround them. We talked about how families create treasures - spending time around the table, playing together, and enjoying each other's company. It is so important to do all these things - it builds strong families and wonderful treasures that last for more than just the moment but generations!!
Modeling with big sister
The other gift was from another sweet friend - the daughter of my blogger friend Ross' Country Cottage. Sweet Hannah. Esther loves her bunny.
These friends are lovely people and it was a delight to see them at school again after a summer apart. God has gifted me with such marvelous people as friends!!!
Cinnamon bread pudding with nectarines topped with warm vanilla sauce (made with the leftover homemade bread from the other day)
The weird green binkies that baby likes:
P.S. Hi, Papa and Grandma, I know you're peeking :0)
The clouds have returned and Fall is in the air. Time for me to crank up the oven and start baking again. During the summer time not many baked goods come out of my oven - to busy playing outside (or this summer - having babies!!). Today I baked bread - my all time favorite thing to bake!! There is something so soothing about kneading bread dough and the smell of rising yeast is so yummy. One of my Big boys came in and said Fall had definitely arrived because it was cloudy and chilly outside and the indoors smelled like bread. Welcome Autumn.
I was thinking of my friend Kim over at Ross' Country Cottage when I took this picture
I wish they made scratch and sniff photos - this huge pile of cedar chips smelled SO good toasting in the sunshine
Everytime I pass this house when I'm walking I have to laugh. The owners have filled their yard with these unusally shaped trees - there are many differet shapes - I think they mush just LOVE Dr. Suess - these trees are living versions of the ones in his books!!
Yum - these looked so good
And finally a sure sign summer is drawing to a close - the colors looked so pretty against the blue sky!!
I came home from my walk relaxed and much happier - there is something so good about looking outside myself and seeing the world from a different point of view!!
I know this beautiful spectrum was from a wandering sunbeam that snuck in my living room window but I also know these wonderful colors were created by God and I believe He wanted to share them with me to cheer my day - He's that kind of God!!! He loves me that much!! Amazing!!! I hope your Friday will be filled with special love notes from God as well!!
Hunting for treasures (or animals) - one of the best parts of a beach trip!! 
We are blessed to live in such a beautiful place - God created so much amazing beauty everywhere. I'm not a very traveled person so I guess I can't say for sure but I do believe we live in on of the most wonderous places on earth!! Every time I go to the beach and look at the sea anemones, urchins, sea stars and baby crabs I am amazed at God's creativity. We could go to the beach WAY more often than we do and never be bored!!
and it's proven!!:0)
Chop up tomatoes
Stack and roll up basil leaves - then cut with scissors
Add several handfuls of mozarella cheese, a splash of olive oil, a dash of salt and pepper - stir and Yum you are done!!!:0)
Summer salads are the best!!
My Farmor (Father's mother in Swedish)
This my Dad picked out for me (that also makes this very special). It is a child's chocolate set that was given to my Great-aunt in 1903 by their neighbors who had immigrated from Germany (I think their child out-grew it). After that, it was passed to my grandmother who had tea-parties with her daughter and her friends. The real treasure is the hand written note from my grandma telling the story of this set!!
I also was able to pick out a teacup for each of my daughters and for my future daughters-in-law. I really love the idea of being able to give these to my children for their home and say "This was your Great-grandmother's" 
